To say the Dodge Charger Daytona has sparked debate would be putting it mildly. The Charger’s transformation into an EV hasn’t exactly been met with universal applause, and early sales reflect that sentiment with some dealers already letting them go for well below MSRP.

Still, a few have made it to the streets (or rather, the drag strips), giving us our first glimpse of how this electric muscle car performs where it truly matters.

This blacked-out Charger Daytona recently appeared at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and in its first race, was lined up against a black Tesla Model Y (though it’s not clear if it’s the mid-trim Long Range AWD or the flagship Performance variant). The Charger appears to be the entry-level R/T version rather than the flagship Daytona Scat Pack.

Read: Dodge Charger Daytona Lease Drops To As Low As $249 With $4K Down, 0% APR For 6 Years

According to Dodge, the Charger Daytona R/T delivers 456 hp and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque, with a temporary boost to 496 hp for 15 seconds using the PowerShot function. That puts it above a standard Ford Mustang GT in terms of power, helping it hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. On paper, those numbers are impressive—but real-world performance is where reputations are made.

The Tesla, on the other hand, is a pre-facelift model. If it’s the Performance variant, it should deliver 456 hp and 497 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of just under 4 seconds. Typically, these versions run the quarter-mile in well under 12 seconds, which suggests this one likely isn’t a Performance.

Furthermore, it seems to be missing the usual Performance model cues, like the distinctive wheels and red brake calipers. Unless the owner swapped those out, it’s probably the Long Range AWD model, which produces 384 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). If that’s the case, the outcome is even more embarrassing for Stellantis’ so-called “muscle coupe.”

The Race

In the race, the Tesla gets the jump off the line and takes a relatively easy win, crossing the quarter-mile in 12.54 seconds at 111.52 mph (179.46 km/h), whereas the Dodge needed 12.87 seconds at 111.84 mph (179.99 km/h). While being beaten by a Model Y is admittedly a little embarrassing, the Dodge’s time is roughly on par with a Mustang GT that can run the quarter-mile in the mid-12-second range. Sure, it cannot match the V8 rumble of the Ford, but the silent rush of an EV does have its fans.

Would the Scat Pack Have Fared Better?

The outcome raises an interesting question: Would the more powerful Daytona Scat Pack have given the Tesla a better fight? With 630 hp and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, jumping to 670 hp with PowerShot, the Scat Pack is built for speed. Dodge claims it can run the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, which could have turned the tables in this electric rivalry.

Maybe next time, Dodge. For now, the Model Y gets to keep its bragging rights.

Mercedes recently confirmed plans for an affordable “G-Class,” which will slot beneath the regular model. However, if you’re willing to make a few tradeoffs, you can get a baby G-Class even quicker.

This pint-sized cutie is known as the Bodo G-Wagon / E-Wagon and it’s a golf cart that closely echoes its namesake. The attention to detail is impressive as the model is instantly recognizable as a G-Class and even comes with working lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. They’re joined by a spare tire carrier as well as stylish two-tone wheels.

More: Mercedes-Benz Garia Golf Cart Redefines The Term “Sports Car”

While the interior isn’t as nice as the real thing, it’s still pretty impressive for a golf cart as it sports a digital instrument cluster and a small infotainment system. There’s even a dual screen rear entertainment system, although it looks very basic.

Screens aside, there are power windows and locks as well as a heater and air conditioner. There’s even a rearview camera and stylish metal accents.

Mecum

While the G 580 with EQ Technology has a 122 kWh battery pack and a quad-motor all-wheel drive system with 579 hp (432 kW / 587 PS), the Bodo relies on a 10 kWh battery and a 20 hp (15 kW / 20 PS) motor. This enables the model to hit a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h) and travel up to 80 miles (129 km) between charges.

This particular golf cart is being auctioned by Mecum on March 21, but one dealer has the vehicle listed for $21,900 new. That’s more than a new Chevrolet Trax, but it’s a small price to pay to be the ultimate baller on the back nine.

Mecum

Throughout most of history, large luxury vehicles had at least one big advantage over, say, sports cars or lesser models: they were quiet inside. That’s typically part of the premium experience. However, according to several Cybertruck owners, Tesla’s latest creation seems to have missed that memo.

One owner took their concern about excessive wind noise to their local Tesla service center, and the proposed solution was surprisingly low-tech: tape. Yes, plain old tape, the same stuff you might use to wrap gifts or patch a torn page, was suggested as the fix for a high-tech, futuristic vehicle.

The customer in question anonymously posted about their experience on a Facebook Cybertruck group. “Is it just my truck?! They said nothing [sic] to do about it. Is that normal? Only from the driver side,” they wrote. Their comment was specifically aimed at the response they got to their request.

Read: Cybertruck Gets Magnetic Wraps That Let You Change Color In Minutes For $2K

In the document from the service center the customer details their complaint. “Wind Noise – I already service this issue and was said this is standard. After driving your loaner, I found that the noise in my car is much stronger then in others.” They had tested another Cybertruck and found it to be noticeably quieter, confirming that the noise wasn’t just a quirk of the model but a specific issue with their vehicle.

This is where the tape comes into play. The tech working on it says in the document that they’ve verified it is a problem. However, due to the “body fitment specifications,” no adjustment to the panels is possible. The tech noted that “the noise heard is normal air turbulence that is expected with higher speed. No further action required at this time.”

The only action they performed is described as “found that taping off the panel gap between driver front fender and frunk reduced the noise.” Does that mean that the frunk is no longer accessible? That wouldn’t be too good. Of course, being that this is a post from an anonymous source, the whole thing could be fabricated, but the comments on the post suggest that it isn’t.

Several Cybertruck owners report the same wind noise issue. “The wind noise on mine is super loud, especially on windy days like yesterday,” said one commentator. “I bought decibel meter. About 50mph sound is 70db. Goes to 73 at 80mph,” said another.

On the other hand, some in the comment section said they didn’t have issues. Still, we’ve documented them in the past here as well. Clearly, not every Cybertruck is within the 10 micron accuracy window Elon Musk once called for.

Notably, wind noise complaints go beyond the Cybertruck when it comes to Tesla. Model 3 and Model Y buyers often complain about similar issues and have even taken to forums to discuss solutions that involve other DIY measures.

It’s worth pointing out that EVs can sometimes exhibit what sounds like excessive wind noise when in reality it’s comparable to what one gets in an everyday ICE car. The difference being that an ICE drivetrain can muffle that wind noise to a degree.

Honestly, I can see where the service technician is coming from here. They have no other way to satisfy the customer and taping panel gaps or transitions is a proven and effective way to eliminate some wind noise. I did it to my very own Ford Flex over some worn-out trim pieces a month ago. It works quite well and is hard to spot when done right. 

In early February, a curious line item appeared on the State Department’s largest contract of 2025: “Armored Tesla (Production Units)” with a staggering price tag of $400,000,000. The entry showed up on an official procurement document, sparking immediate denials from the Trump administration, which insisted that the deal originated under Biden. But now, newly surfaced evidence suggests that might not be entirely accurate.

According to a report from NPR, which says it obtained a new document from the State Department, the budget breakdown for the 2025 fiscal year tells a different story. It shows just $483,000 allocated for electric vehicles, along with an additional $3 million designated for support equipment like chargers, for a total of nearly $3.5 million. No mention of hundreds of millions for armored Teslas.

More: Cybertruck Crushes Safety Tests With 5-Star Rating (Updated)

NPR says it also spoke to a former White House official who believes the Trump administration did intend to buy $400 million worth of Teslas. “I don’t think this is a clerical error. It was likely someone who is new in [the] State [Department] who decided, ‘OK, we’re gonna do this with Tesla,'” they said on the condition of anonymity.

Interestingly, a spokesperson for the State Department told NPR on Monday that the $400 million was “an estimate” and that “the Department of State has no intention to move forward with the solicitation.” They also pointed out that the proposal was in its early stages and was not yet a full contract but was meant “strictly to gather information.”

For his part, Elon Musk also claims to know nothing about this deal so it’s plausible the truth is in the middle.

I’m pretty sure Tesla isn’t getting $400M. No one mentioned it to me, at least.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2025

Perhaps someone in the Trump administration genuinely believed Tesla was the best choice for armored vehicles, and the plan was quietly dropped after public scrutiny. Or maybe the budget line was just an ambitious placeholder. Either way, the deal seems to be off the table for now—but given the rapid twists in this saga, that could change at any moment.

For what it’s worth, the document submitted to the White House from the State Department listed several concerns about converting an EV to an armored personnel carrier. Beyond just protecting the battery to the point that assailants couldn’t pierce or damage it, the department wrote “finding an electric vehicle that can hold the weight of armor and have viable range for protection driving are other initial challenges.”

For now, it seems the State Department’s armored Tesla fleet is on ice. But as the political narrative continues to shift, this story might not be over.

Tesla is struggling to sell cars in Europe, with sales plummeting by 50.3% in the EU and 45.2% in the combined EU, EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), and UK markets in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. Surprisingly, this drop comes at a time when BEV sales across all of Europe surged by 37%, showing that demand for zero-emission vehicles isn’t the problem.

More: Tesla Vows To Prosecute Vandals Over Swastikas, But Owners Have Little Recourse

According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), Tesla sold 9,945 units in January 2025, down from 18,161 in January 2024. The drop was especially severe in Germany, where sales fell by 59.5% to just 1,277 units, and in France, with a 63% decrease to 1,143 units.

To put this in perspective, Tesla’s performance was so poor that even China’s SAIC Motors managed to sell more than twice as many cars in January, with 22,994 deliveries.

What’s Behind Tesla’s Fall?

Several factors could explain Tesla’s underwhelming performance. One likely reason is the growing negative publicity surrounding Elon Musk’s controversies, including the infamous salute and his outspoken political views, which have stirred debate across Europe. His support for Germany’s far-right AfD party and a jailed activist in the UK has reportedly damaged his public image, which in turn could be impacting Tesla’s brand perception in the region.

Another contributing factor could be the timing of the Model Y update. With the bestseller getting a significant refresh for 2025, many customers might be holding off, leading to reduced demand for the outgoing version. Additionally, Tesla had to retool its production lines for the new Model Y, which may have caused temporary supply disruptions.

Inventory shortages could also be to blame. According to Bloomberg, Tesla might be dealing with low stock levels in certain markets due to an aggressive push to boost year-end numbers in December 2024.

BEV Sales Soar Across Europe

Despite Tesla’s struggles, the overall demand for fully electric vehicles in Europe continues to grow. ACEA reports that 124,341 BEVs were sold in the EU and 166,065 units in the broader Europe+EFTA+UK region in January 2025. This represents a healthy market share of 16.7% in Europe+EFTA+UK, up from 11.9% in January 2024.

More: Hybrids Close To Outselling Petrol Cars In Europe Says New Data, But That’s Kinda Misleading

Still, the region’s favorite powertrain type is HEVs (self-charging hybrids) with a 34.9% market share, followed by gasoline (29.2%). In contrast, the market shares of diesel (8.8%) and PHEVs (7.6%) have declined compared to last year, now falling behind BEVs.

In the EU alone, the combined market share of gasoline and diesel cars fell to 39.4% in January 2025, down from 48.7% the previous year. Overall, new car registrations in the EU decreased by 2.6% to 831,201 units, largely due to declining sales in key markets such as France (-6.2%), Italy (-5.8%), and Germany (-2.8%).

Production of the Scout Terra and Traveler models isn’t scheduled to begin until 2027, but Jay Leno recently had the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of the new Traveler with Scout chief executive Scott Keogh. During the interview, Keogh revealed a few interesting titbits about the duo, including the chemistry of the battery packs in development.

Earlier this month, Keogh confirmed that the BEV and EREV versions would have different battery chemistries, without providing any additional details. In this clip, he reveals the electric versions will use a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack while the EREV will utilize a smaller lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The BEV should have around 350 miles (563 km) of range, while the EREV will be able to travel up to 500 miles (804 km) thanks to the range-extending ICE.

Read: Scout’s Extended-Range EVs To Offer About 500 Miles Of Combined Range

According to Keogh, the intention behind the EREV model is for the small gasoline generator and the electric motor to work together so seamlessly that drivers won’t even notice when the engine is being used. This will be aided by the fact that the engine will be located at the rear of the vehicle, reducing NVH.

Off-Road Chops

The boss of Scout also talks up the off-roading credentials of the Terra and Traveler models, noting they will have electronically locking differentials and sway bars that can be disconnected at the touch of a button. He also reveals that an adjustable air suspension will be an optional extra on both models.

As neither of the two Scout models are production vehicles, Leno was only allowed to drive the Traveler around an airport in LA. Indeed, the cars brought to Leno’s Garage don’t even have seatbelts. Keogh says that approximately 70% of shoppers are opting for the Traveler. He also confirmed previous reports saying that the majority of people are ordering the range-extender.

If you’re on the lookout for a new hybrid and EV and are a Costco member in the US, you might want to take a look at the Costco Auto Program, as they might be able to get you a very competitive deal. The program has partnered with dealerships across the United States and is offering compelling discounts on models like the Volvo EX90, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and even the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.

The Costco Auto Program allows members to browse through a large inventory of used and new cars at dealerships. The program promises to make the car buying experience easier, as Cosco does the price haggling for you and arranges prices with dealerships for its members. It’s also now encouraging shoppers to get behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle, launching a new EV Marketplace with several limited-run deals.

Read: Bread, Milk, And… A Chevy Equinox? How GM Is Using Costco To Boost EV Sales

Between now and April 30, 2025, Costco Gold Star and Business Members who use the service will get a $1,000 discount on any 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, GMC Sierra EV, or Hummer EV SUV/Pickup. Executive Members will be eligible for a $1,250 discount.

Those shopping for something a little more sporty can pick up a 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray with a $2,750 discount for Gold Star and Business Members, and a $3,000 discount for Executive Members. The newly-arrived 2025 Volvo EX90 is also available with a competitive discount. Gold Star and Business members can pick up the keys to the all-electric SUV with a $1,500 promo, while a $2,000 discount is available for Executive Members.

It’s not just good deals Costco members will find in the EV Marketplace. The retailer has also launched several educational articles on the platform asking popular questions related to EVs, including queries about public charging infrastructure and driving range.

Cast your minds back to 2022 and you might recall a fantastically swoopy electric crossover coupe from Toyota called the bZ Compact SUV concept. Well, next month, that concept becomes a production reality and could give the automaker’s EV fortunes a real boost.

Toyota today confirmed it would reveal an “all-new exciting and surprising” BEV on March 11 (March 12 central European time) and released a single teaser image and a video that don’t give an awful lot away, but do reveal enough that we can be sure it’s the 2022 concept come to life.

Related: Toyota bZ Compact SUV Concept Brings Eye-Catching Styling To Europe

They show a sleek fastback shape and a set of curvy hips and front fenders. The roofline is low, but the body appears to be hoisted well clear of the ground to deliver the “elevated driving dynamics” Toyota refers to in its limited blurb. The automaker also promises “surprising space, comfort and versatility,” and claims it will have a strong emotional appeal.

Toyota doesn’t mention the crossover’s name, but judging from recent reports, there’s a good chance it won’t be named bZ because even its bZ4X big brother is rumored to be ditching the absurd jumble of numbers and letters for something more sensible later this year.

The teaser also doesn’t tell us much about the new EV’s tech specs, but we can look at the concept’s dimensions to get an idea on size. Back in 2022, Toyota said the bZ Compact SUV measured 4.54 m (178.7 inches) long and 1.56 m (61.4 inches) tall. If the production version sticks to those numbers it’ll come in at 152 mm (6 inches) shorter and 90 mm (3.5 inches) lower than the Toyota bZ4X.

No power figures or battery capacities were given for the concept but Toyota’s new Urban Cruiser electric SUV, which is smaller in size than the new crossover, has a choice of 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery packs.

Single-motor, front-wheel drive versions of the Suzuki e-Vitara clone make 142 hp (106 kW / 144 PS)  with the small battery and 172 hp (128 kW / 174 PS) with the bigger one, while the optional dual-motor powertrain boosts total output to 182 hp (135 kW / 184 PS).

The gallery below contains one teaser shot of the new production crossover and multiple images of the 2022 bZ Compact SUV concept.

Polestar is keen to lure customers away from EV market leader Tesla and is offering incentives worth as much as $20,000 to buyers willing to jump ship and lease the new Polestar 3 SUV. While there are a few hoops that shoppers will need to jump through, the process should be relatively simple and cuts a significant chunk off the Polestar 3’s $68,900 starting price.

Read: Kia Tries To Woo Tesla Owners With Discounts

Anyone in the US who currently owns or leases a Tesla can qualify by providing Polestar with registration or insurance documents showing the VIN, name, address, and expiration date. This offer is only available from February 21 to February 28, but if buyers can provide the necessary details, they’ll receive a $5,000 Polestar Conquest Bonus toward the lease of a new 2025 Polestar 3.

Stackable Savings for Bigger Discounts

In addition to this bonus, the carmaker continues to offer its $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, bringing total savings up to $20,000 off a lease. Even if you don’t own a Tesla, you’ll still be eligible for this $15,000 discount if you sign a Polestar 3 lease by February 28.

The deals appear to be offered for the entire range of the Polestar 3, but the availability of different variants differs depending on where you live in the US. That’s important as Polestar insists vehicles must be delivered by the end of February 28 to be eligible for the two discounts.

A Closer Look at the Polestar 3 Lineup

The 2025 Polestar 3 range kicks off from $68,900 for the Long Range Single Motor model, offering 350 miles (563 km) of range alongside 299 hp and 361 lb-ft (489 Nm) of torque. It joins the Long Range Dual Motor that had served as the entry-level version in 2024, starting at $74,800, while the Polestar 3 with the Performance package starts at $80,800.

Lease prices vary depending on the model and incentives. Factoring in the $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Noncash Incentive, you could lease a Long Range Dual Motor with an adjusted capitalized cost of $55,795, paying $599 per month for 27 months, with $5,599 due at signing. That”s an effective monthly payment of $806, and over the lease term, buyers would pay $21,762 excluding the downpayment. However, Polestar has not disclosed the monthly payment for Tesla owners who can stack the additional $5,000 discount.

But Is It Really Worth It?

From a financial perspective, it’s essential to look beyond the flashy discounts and focus on the effective monthly payment. Polestar’s incentives are attention-grabbing, but buyers should be cautious about other financial details like the APR on leases or the residual values, as these could easily offset the discounts.

More: Tesla Rolls Out Regular 2026 Model Y In Europe, Cuts Prices By Up To $2,100

For example, the well-equipped Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD Launch Edition—with every option ticked on, including the $8,000 FSD (Supervised), 20-inch wheels, $2,000 Performance upgrade and more—is currently available for $796 per month on a 36-month lease with 10,000 miles per year and no downpayment. This price will certainly drop further once Tesla releases the standard versions of the refreshed Model Y.

Tesla is no stranger to legal troubles and is now the subject of another lawsuit, although this time it comes from Down Under. According to a new suit in Australia’s Federal Court, Tesla Motors Australia has overstated the driving ranges of its EVs, overpromised on self-driving features, and has vehicles suffering from instances of phantom braking.

The latter has plagued Teslas for quite some time and has been the subject of other lawsuits, including in Germany. Just last week, a German court ruled that Tesla’s Autopilot system is “defective” and not “suitable for normal use” due to phantom braking problems.

Read: Court Rules Tesla’s Autopilot Defective For Normal Use After Phantom Braking

In this case, Aussie law firm JGA Saddler describes phantom braking as a “dangerous phenomenon [that] would terrify you and your passengers and could, if it causes an accident, result in serious injury and/or death.”

In addition, the director of JGA Saddler, Rebecca Jancauskas, has taken issue with Tesla selling its long-promised Full-Self Driving features without delivering on the promises its made for the system. She also asserts that many Tesla vehicles sold in Australia cannot achieve 75% of their advertised driving range, and believes the automaker has known about its defects for years but has so far failed to address the problems or pay any compensation to owners.

“It is hoped this claim underscores the importance for all EV manufacturers to be truthful in their marketing, deliver on their promises, and ensure their products are safe and reliable,” Jancauskas told Yahoo! News.

The class action is open to anyone who has purchased or leased a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y with the controversial Tesla Vision system since May 2021.

“Tesla made promises about their vehicles’ safety, performance and features such as their ‘full self-driving,’ but it appears some of these promises are falling flat,” Jancauskas added. It’s unclear how many owners and lessees have signed up to be part of the class action.

“We will press charges for vandalism at Superchargers,” says Tesla. Those are the first words from an automaker dealing with a spate of issues including protests, property damage, and more. What’s worse is that the brand can’t do anything for countless owners who have also suffered from the trend. That includes at least one Cybertruck defaced in Lower Manhattan with a swastika.

The last few months have seen the ire grow against Elon Musk and the electric brand he helms. Both customers and critics have open—and loudly—called for the public to ditch Tesla’s cars. On top of that, radical activists have threatened owners and vandalized vehicles as well as Supercharger stations. On Sunday, one Tesla owner found their local charging station with the word “Nazi” painted over the Tesla logo and a Swastika symbol at the bottom.

Read: TikTokers Are Hunting Cybertrucks With Anti-Musk Messages

“This graffiti at my local Supercharger would suggest that perhaps Elon Musk is damaging Tesla’s brand,” the poster wrote. Within just three hours, the official Tesla Supercharger account saw the post and responded, stating that the graffiti would be removed by the next morning. In fact, it went even further.

When another commenter pointed out a security camera that might have captured the vandal in the act, Tesla made it clear that it would press charges for such behavior. In fact, this was the second instance of vandalism it responded to within the past week. In another case, someone sprayed foam into the charging plugs at several Supercharger stations.

This graffiti at my local Supercharger would suggest that perhaps Elon Musk is damaging Tesla’s brand. pic.twitter.com/LLL5AcDeOE

— Quinn Nelson (@SnazzyLabs) February 23, 2025

Targeting More Than Just Tesla Property

There’s a separate issue, though, as vandals aren’t only targeting Tesla property but private vehicles too. It’s unclear who owns the Cybertruck recently painted with a swastika in Lower Manhattan, but many people saw the vehicle and posted about it online. One person simply captioned their post, “Not a great car to own in NYC these days.”

More: We Compare The 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With Its Predecessor

The threads about the angular pickup drew a mix of grim humor and political commentary including “Look, it’s the new SS package,” and “it draws the eyes away from the panel gaps.”

The humor was dark, but the implications were serious. No matter how one might feel about Musk or Tesla, it does appear that the groundswell of anger toward one or both is increasing. A recent poll made it clear that Musk’s popularity has swung wildly from one side of the aisle to the other over the last year. While Musk and Tesla could be well within their rights, there is little doubt at this point that public perception is shifting.

The Musk Effect on Tesla’s Brand

Since being brought on board Donald Trump’s administration as a Senior Advisor for the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has become an increasingly polarizing figure. His controversial statements, perceived ties to far-right ideologies, and alleged dog-whistle moments have fueled strong reactions which cause some critics to argue that Tesla’s brand is suffering not because of its cars but because of its CEO. 

The Cybertruck defacement and Supercharger vandalism highlight the volatile intersection of technology, politics, and public perception. With Musk at the helm, Tesla isn’t just an EV company – it’s a symbol in an increasingly divided conversation. One thing is clear though: the discourse around Tesla and Musk doesn’t look to be cooling down anytime soon.

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Ram introduced the 1500 Ramcharger nearly 16 months ago and it’s finally inching closer to launch. As part of this effort, the company recently held a media briefing and revealed more details about the range-extended pickup.

Unfortunately, it’s not all good news as the truck is a bit less impressive than originally announced. Besides being bumped to the 2026 model year, the Ramcharger’s dual-motor all-wheel drive system has been downgraded from 663 hp (494 kW / 672 PS) to 654 hp (488 kW / 663 PS). The torque output remains unchanged at 615 lb-ft (833 Nm), but the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time has climbed from 4.4 to 4.5 seconds.

More: 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Is An Electric Truck That Actually Makes Sense, Thanks To A V6 Engine

While less performance is far from ideal, some stats have improved. In particular, the DC fast charging capability has climbed from 145 kW to 175 kW. Despite this, Ram still says owners can expect approximately 50 miles (80 km) of range in around 10 minutes.

This appears to be the bulk of the changes, so we’ll remind you that the Ramcharger has a 92 kWh battery pack and a 3.6-liter V6 engine that acts as a generator. This gives the truck a targeted range of up to 690 miles (1,110 km), which is far more than traditional EVs.

Despite being electrified, the Ramcharger promises to be work-ready thanks to its sturdy STLA Frame platform. It enables the truck to tow up to 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg) and have a payload capacity of up to 2,625 lbs (1,191 kg). Contractors can also look forward to a bed-mounted onboard power panel, which can provide up to 7.2 kW of juice on the job site.

Aside from a few spec updates, Ram released a new video showing charging information on the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as the 12- or 14.5-inch infotainment system. The automaker also revealed a few new pictures of powertrain components as well as images showing charge scheduling, driving history, and a vehicle-to-home functionality.

The Ram 1500 Ramcharger will arrive in the second half of the year and it’s slated to be followed by the fully electric 1500 REV in 2026.

In a sweeping policy shift, Donald Trump’s administration has just reportedly ordered the shutdown of all electric vehicle charging stations at federal buildings across the United States. This decision effectively flips the switch on hundreds of EV chargers across the country, with approximately 8,000 charging ports, managed by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

This directive also includes plans to offload recently acquired EVs from the federal fleet. Combined, these moves signal a sharp reversal from the sustainability initiatives championed by the previous administration.

Read: Trump’s Budget Cuts Threaten Biden’s $6.6B Rivian Loan For EV Factory

An internal GSA email, reportedly viewed by Colorado Public Radio, reveals that the agency now deems all GSA-owned charging stations as “not mission critical.” As a result, the agency will shut down these chargers at which point they’ll be inoperable to all users.

This includes both federal workers with a federally owned EV and federal employees who could previously charge their own personal vehicle at these same stations. Some regional offices have already begun taking chargers offline, with a formal announcement expected soon.

The GSA is responsible for managing federal assets including a fleet of approximately 650,000 vehicles. Under the Biden administration, it embarked on a plan to transition to zero-emission vehicles. That included the procurement of over 58,000 EVs and the installation of more than 25,000 charging ports. It never came anywhere close to achieving those figures though and this new directive puts that plan to a swift end.

The GSA is preparing to offload the EVs it currently has in the fleet but it’s unclear where they’ll go. Technically, it could simply take the vehicles out of the fleet and put them into storage rather than sell them. In addition, the GSA manages some chargers for separate federal agencies so those departments might need to ditch their EVs.

It’s also uncertain how the agency will replace the vehicles being phased out; possibilities include purchasing new gas-powered models or reallocating older ones from retirement.

This development follows Trump’s recent suspension of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a $5 billion initiative aimed at expanding the nation’s EV charging network. Taken together, these decisions could slow the overall adoption rate of electric vehicles in the US as a whole. One thing is for sure, it certainly won’t speed it up.

Solid state batteries are often touted as a holy grail for EVs as they promise to be safer and have higher energy densities than their lithium-ion counterparts. However, they’ve largely been limited to the lab.

That’s starting to change as Mercedes has begun road-testing a “slightly modified” EQS with a lithium-metal solid-state battery. It uses cells from Factorial Energy and sports a floating cell carrier.

More: Dodge Charger Daytona Getting Solid State Batteries By 2026, But There’s A Catch

As the company explained, “When the battery charges, the materials expand, and when it discharges, it contracts.” To support this, the battery has “pneumatic actuators that interact with the cell volume change during charging and discharging, which affects the battery’s performance and lifespan.”

Mercedes went onto say the battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which enhances cell safety and allows for the use of new anodes like lithium metal. This has the potential to increase the gravimetric energy density of EV batteries up to 450 Wh/kg. That should pave the way for lighter, more compact batteries.

In the case of the EQS, the battery allows for a range of up to 621 miles (1,000 km), which is 25% more than a lithium-ion battery of the same size and weight. In particular, a regular EQS 450+ with a 118 kWh battery pack has a range in excess of 497 miles (800 km) under the worldwide harmonized light vehicles test procedure.

The prototype will be subjected to an assortment of tests in the coming months and Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang said, “Being the first to successfully integrate lithium metal solid-state batteries into a production vehicle platform marks a historic achievement in electric mobility. This breakthrough demonstrates that solid-state battery technology has moved beyond the laboratory and into real-world application, setting a new benchmark for the entire automotive industry.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Mercedes’ Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, who stated “Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

Tesla has been keeping busy over the past year, updating its two best-selling vehicles, the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover, while also launching the much-anticipated Cybertruck and teasing upcoming products like the Cybercab.

Now, the company appears poised to continue this momentum with updates to its longest-running models, the Model S and Model X, which have been in production since 2012 and 2015, respectively. This hint came from none other than Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy.

Speaking on Ryan McCaffrey’s Ride the Lightning podcast, Moravy said, “Just give it a minute. We’ll get there. The upgrade a few years ago was bigger than most people thought in terms of architecture and structure. We’ll give it some love later this year; we’ll make sure it gets some of the stuff we’ve been putting in 3 and Y. Everyone here has a little place in their heart for S/X. They are not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Read: We Compare The 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With Its Predecessor

This sparked speculation online that a full update to both models might be on the horizon. To a degree, Tesla would do well to refresh the vehicles to look more like the rest of the lineup. Despite that, Moravy’s words on the Ride the Lightning podcast seem very measured. “Some of the stuff we’ve been putting in 3 and Y” could simply refer to features like ambient lighting and a front-facing bumper-mounted camera, , rather than a complete overhaul.

Many are hoping that Tesla will go beyond minor updates and deliver a more significant styling refresh, as both models clearly show their age. The Model S and Model X have maintained largely the same exterior design for years, and a visual update could help them stay competitive.

The possibility of upcoming updates raises the question of how this news might impact current sales. After all, Tesla made just 94,105 Cybertrucks, Model X, and Model S examples last year combined. That sounds like a big number but is dwarfed by the 1,679,338 examples of the Model Y and Model 3 built in the same period.

Should You Wait to Buy?

While nothing is confirmed, Moravy’s comments suggest that changes are indeed coming. For those considering a Model S or Model X, it might be worth waiting to see what Tesla announces later this year. If the updates are substantial, the wait could be well worth it.

Most people think of emissions and fuel consumption ratings when it comes to misleading automotive specifications. However, with the rise of electric vehicles, a new area of scrutiny has emerged: driving range. Four major automakers are now under investigation by Italian authorities for allegedly misleading consumers about their EVs’ specifications on official websites.

The companies in question are BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and the VW Group. Notably, Stellantis and VW Group sell mechanically related EVs under different brands in the Italian market, adding another layer of complexity to the allegations.

More: Stellantis Halts New Jeep Compass Production Plans In Canada, Still Launching In Europe In 2025

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has accused these automakers of engaging in unfair commercial practices. Last Thursday, the AGCM, with help from the Italian financial police (Guardia di Finanza), conducted investigations at the Italian headquarters of BYD, Stellantis, Tesla, and VW Group.

According to the regulator, the automakers provided “generic” and occasionally “contradictory” information about their EVs’ driving ranges. While the WLTP figures are the standard for EV range in Europe, the AGCM argues that the companies failed to explain “which factors impact the advertised maximum range and the extent to which they affect the actual range.”

In addition, the automakers allegedly neglected to provide “clear and complete information” on battery capacity degradation over time under normal use, which is an important factor for long-term EV ownership. The AGCM also claims they did not adequately disclose the terms and limitations of their standard battery warranties.

More: Existing BYD Owners Furious After Car Prices Drop And Features Get Better

Essentially, it seems that important details about real-world EV performance may have been left out of marketing materials, potentially giving buyers an incomplete understanding of what to expect.

According to Italian media, the local divisions of BYD, Stellantis, and VW Group have not yet commented on the allegations. Tesla’s local representatives were reportedly unavailable for comment.

As the investigation progresses, we’ll keep an eye on developments and report any potential consequences for the automakers involved.

While EV sales continue to grow around the world and are expected to reach record heights this year, demand has not matched the expectations of many automakers. This has forced a number of brands to make production changes and delay investments. The latest to follow suit is BMW, which announced it will delay its plans to start producing the all-electric Mini in the UK.

While Mini is already building an EV, it was scheduled to also be manufactured at the firm’s historical Oxford plant from 2026. In 2023, BMW announced a £600 million ($758 million) investment into the site to allow it to begin building the three-door Mini Cooper EV and the Mini Aceman. By 2030, the factory was scheduled to shift entirely to EV production.

Read: Future Mini EVs Could Go RWD Thanks To BMW

However, BMW says it’s delaying the introduction of these new models to the Oxford plant, and has also decided not to accept a £60 million ($76 million) grant from the British government to aid in its production plans.

“Plant Oxford is at the heart of Mini production, manufacturing and exporting a range of models, which are sought after in the UK and around the world,” BMW said in a statement. “However, given the multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is currently reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric Mini production in Oxford.

“We have informed the UK government of our decision to review the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford. As part of this discussion, we agreed not to take the previously announced grant, but we remain in close dialogue about our future plans.”

BMW did not provide an indication as to when production of the electric models in Oxford could start. However, it did say that it continues to use the previously-announced investments to “make the plant future-ready” and is committed to establishing a new “state-of-the-art logistics facility,” BBC reports.

If the sharp design, impressive tech and strong performance of the Ioniq 5 made you see Hyundai in a new light, you’re not alone. New data shows the model has helped the Korean brand pinch thousands of customers away from other automakers.

More than 74 percent of Ioniq 5 sales were conquests from competitor brands, according to figures from S&P Global Mobility analyzing electric vehicle trends between January and October 2024. That puts the Ioniq 5 almost 22 percentage points ahead of the average Hyundai vehicle when it comes to brand conquest rates.

Related: Hyundai’s Best January Ever Sees EV Sales Surge 15% As Ioniq 5 Rockets 54%

Cadillac’s Lyriq is another EV that’s achieved what none of the GM luxury brand’s other cars have been able to do. Close to 73 percent of Lyriq buyers are jumping to Cadillac from other automakers, that figure being 16 percentage points better than Caddy’s average.

Further down the list, some brand’s models have a lower outright conquest rate than the Lyriq and Ioniq 5, but are worthy of note because they perform so much better than the marques’ other cars.

Take the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning, for example. Ford’s overall conquest rate is the lowest on the table at less than 37 percent, but the Mach-E and Lightning both achieve at least 21 percentage points more in terms of conquests.

Not all of the EVs in the conquest league table proved more effective than their ICE-powered sister models at luring customers from rival brands. The Porsche Taycan’s 61.2 percent conquest rate looks solid until you realize that number is 0.3 percentage points lower than the average Porsche figure.

And Toyota’s bZ4X puts in an embarrassing performance right at the bottom of the list. Just 33.5 percent of the electric SUV’s buyers were new to the Japanese brand, down 7 percentage points on its 40.5 percent average win rate. The bZ’s Subaru Solterra twin was third from bottom, though it’s 45.3 percent conquest rate was significantly less awful. Both the bZ4X and Solterra offer less power and range than other EVs like the Ioniq 5, and potential buyers appear not to have missed those facts.

Conquest Rates Compared To Brand Average

AVG 36-Month Lease Payment & Inventory

Very few automakers sit in the same position as Rivian. Smaller EV startups hope to be as successful as the Normal, Illinois-based company someday. On the other hand, larger brands don’t have to worry too much about Rivian stealing their customers just yet. In 2024, the EV automaker sold just over 51,000 cars in a market that included well over a million total sales. 

For Rivian to continue gaining market share, this vehicle, the R1S has to continue to convert customers from other brands. Externally, this middle-size SUV stands out just as much as its parent company does. The shape isn’t wholly boxy or completely square. The headlights are a clear and direct reminder that this isn’t something from Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, or even Tesla. 

Review: 2025 Land Rover 110 Defender Is A Go-Anywhere Luxury SUV

What it is, though, is a well-equipped SUV regardless of the trim one might pick. In fact, it’s one of the most configurable, most capable, and most eclectic SUVs this side of a super-luxury six-figure brand like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, or Maybach. 

QUICK FACTS

To get a real sense of just how good Rivian’s flagship SUV truly is, we put it through its paces in the unforgiving streets of New York City and across the varied terrain of western New York State. Along the way, we uncovered both strengths and shortcomings—because no vehicle is without flaws—but overall, the R1S stands as a promising glimpse into the future of electric SUVs.

YMMV

For those unfamiliar, YMMV is the cool, hip shorthand for “Your Mileage May Vary” – and trust me, it certainly did in the Rivian R1S. One of this SUV’s biggest selling points is its claim of up to 410 miles of range when buyers opt for the Max Pack and Dual Motor setup. In reality? Let’s just say that number is more of a best-case scenario than a guarantee.

“Up to” are incredibly crucial words here, as we never even came close to hitting that figure on a single charge. Whether you blame it on a heavier right foot that the R1S probably wasn’t too fond of, or the fact that New York’s temperatures barely crept above freezing, the truth is we couldn’t count on getting anywhere near the miles the R1S predicted.

For example, in one trip that would take us 91 minutes and 59 miles according to Rivian’s in-car navigation, the R1S estimated we’d arrive at our destination with 144 miles of range. That’s all well and good, but according to the exact same screen at the exact same time, we had 213 miles of range available – so where are those extra miles going? 

Consistently Inconsistent Range

That sort of behavior was very consistent. In another case, we left a charging station with 350 miles of estimated range to go to a destination just 39 miles away. I might have gone to school in Mississippi but even I can do the simple math on that one. We should’ve, in theory, had 311 miles remaining when we arrived. Instead, the R1S told us to expect to reach our destination with 274 miles of range remaining. 

Despite this discrepancy, I’ll also make it clear that at no point did I have range anxiety or worry about charging despite not staying anywhere close to a charging station. In fact, I made it to my destination with 296 miles of range. That hasn’t always been my experience with electric SUVs either. Nevertheless, the R1S and R1T both have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network which makes charging up all over New York an absolute breeze. 

In addition, Rivian’s own Adventure network wasn’t far off either and provided a great experience. Simply plug the charger into the car, confirm that the charge started, and walk away. There wasn’t any need to pull out a payment card, download some silly charging station app, or anything else. In reality, it was easier than pumping gas. Across all trips, we managed 2.67 kWh per mile, which is well within reason given the variables at play. 

The Charging Experience

Charging itself was a bit of a mixed bag though. On the plus side, the R1S accepts up to 300 kW of charging speed, which meant I never needed to stay plugged in for hours at a time. In most cases, simply plugging it in for 30 minutes would be enough to pull the battery up to 80 percent or more. In one instance, the car went from 26 to 80 percent in 37 minutes on a Tesla Supercharger that had basically every other stall filled. 

That charging excursion cost $46.06 by the way, which isn’t great compared to a gas car, but had we had the chance to charge at home it wouldn’t have even been close. The electric Rivian would’ve been colossally cheaper to run day in and day out and I would’ve never even needed to hit a public charging stall. 

Speaking of stalls, that’s another concern that Rivian owners should consider. Charging at a Supercharger is easy and convenient aside from the physical position of the Rivian itself. Because the charge port is on the front driver’s side, the only way to avoid taking up an extra charging space is to park on the far left side of the row of chargers. 

In any other space (save for some very creative parking on the far right side) you’ll take up an extra charging space. That can be uncomfortable when several drivers are waiting to use a charger for their EVs and you and your six-figure SUV have essentially iced one out til you’re done. 

Interior Segment

While the cabin of a car is often just a place for spending time while occupied with the journey itself, the Rivain also has to house folks while they sit idling at a charger. To that end, the R1S is beautifully appointed with excellent attention to detail. As just one clear example, Rivian has possibly the most luxurious third row in the business when it comes to fit and finish. We’re getting a little ahead (or perhaps behind) ourselves though. 

The dash is what most buyers will appreciate first. The real wood accents are a significant step above what you’ll find in a Tesla Model X, for example. The design is simple, elegant, and somewhat monolithic. It’s deeply consistent throughout the car too, which is somewhat rare. The huge panoramic glass roof makes the entire SUV feel more spacious even though it’s actually somewhat compact inside. 

Seating in the R1S is comfortable, though not as adjustable as one might expect from a car in this price range. That said, it was great that we could move the middle row forward or back based on how many people were in the car at any given time. 

Clever little touches like storage hooks, straps, and nets made carrying various items a breeze for everyone in attendance. The rear-seat infotainment system provides excellent functionality including heating for both the second and third-row seats, Bluetooth connectivity, lock functions, and a trip calculator so one’s passengers don’t have to ask how long it’ll be til we all arrive at our destination. 

Finally, let’s chat about cargo because the R1S can hold so very much of it. On our excursion, we had five adults with at least two bags per adult, and all of them fit in the cabin along with all of the people without the need for us to stuff things in the front trunk. 

Had we placed everything up front, it likely would’ve left us with essentially the entire cabin wide open. I hope we get a chance to test the new Quad Motor out in the middle of nowhere soon where I promise to take full advantage of all that storage. 

Cabin Controls: Rivian’s Biggest Misstep

This might be the biggest gripe of the entire Rivian experience. The brand is dedicated to minimizing physical controls wherever it can. We asked them about their choices, including the one to not have physical climate controls, and they basically told us they didn’t want to hem themselves in with choices they could go back on. 

For better or worse, this means that many functions are baked into the screen including the door lock and unlock mechanism, the heated seats, climate fan speed, and more. Changing the direction of airflow is a touchscreen setting. Moving the steering wheel requires hitting multiple buttons on the screen and then using the steering wheel rollers to position it. The same is true of the mirrors. 

Speaking of that, the few buttons and switches that do exist aren’t all that great either. In fact, the switchgear feels cheap when compared to the rest of the cabin. The window switches also sit inside a big slab of plastic that isn’t very attractive. It seems odd that in these places where hands, wrists, and fingertips will interact often the surfaces and materials aren’t as high-end as the rest of the cabin. 

Then, there’s the infotainment itself, which is a mixed bag. The graphics are crisp, bright, and even fun at times. The reactions are swift and some of the features are intuitively placed. On the flip side, there isn’t a way to leverage Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. 

Bluetooth connectivity somewhat saves the day but the navigation system leaves one wanting for something a little smoother and a bit more polished. Picking a destination isn’t always easy to manage when the choices are a bit vague and changing or adding a direction mid-journey can be tough too. All of that said, it’s a solid system that we expect will only improve with time. 

Headlights: The R1S’s Secret Weapon

An entire section on headlights might sound odd but these are the very best I’ve ever used bar none. The gap between these headlights and the next best ones in my personal experience is so big that I can’t even remember who sits in second place. The R1S is the first car in the USA to use Adaptive Drive Beam technology and it deserves even more praise than I’m about to give it.

Known by many as Matrix LED lights, the headlight tech in the R1S enables almost fluid-like real-time adjustment based on traffic. For example, most of us have experienced the automatic bright light setting on modern cars. Once engaged (and that’s an important point we’ll return to), it basically scans the road at all times and then flips the brights off if it notices an oncoming car or that you’ve caught up to a car in the same lane but ahead of you.

Those automatic high beams are akin to a caveman when compared to the R1S’s Einstein-like lighting situation. Instead of just flipping full on or full off, the car can selectively turn off LED elements in the headlight to avoid blinding surrounding traffic. That’s right, it works in both directions too so when you come up behind someone the lights carve out a perfect little box for them so that you don’t blind that driver. The entire rest of the field of view remains lit up with high-beam light.

Even more impressive, when the driver is oncoming, the light dynamically carves out a space and moves that space as the driver gets closer and ultimately passes the R1S. Essentially, these headlights provide the absolute most light possible and never blind drivers around you. Maybe the best part though is that you don’t have to turn them on, as they are completely automatic.

Suffice to say, I hope more automakers adopt this technology as quickly as possible. Being able to see is clearly a paramount safety feature and these headlights make it easy.

Driving Experience: Power Meets Weight

Having driven several electric vehicles over the years, I had a good idea of what to expect from 665 horsepower (495 kW) and 829 lb-ft (1,122 Nm) of torque. What I didn’t appreciate before stomping on the go pedal in the R1S is just how adept this SUV is at doing sporty things despite its weight. Remember from our quick facts sheet that this three-row people hauler tips the scales at 6,331 pounds (2,871 kg). 

That 665 horsepower is there just as much for just moving a beast this big as it is for performance, but it happily manages both. From a dig, the R1S feels a bit heavy off the line but it gathers speed at such a rapid pace that how heavy this thing is plays a role in making the experience feel all the more exotic. 

In just 3.4 seconds you’ll go from not moving at all to hurtling down a road at 60 mph in something that weighs 1000+ pounds more than an adult male white rhinoceros. It’s like an unholy combination of a rhino and a cheetah and you’re at the helm – but that’s just the party trick. 

It’s the rest of the driving experience that provides the clearest look at the depth and breadth of what Rivian has done here. For one thing, the R1S certainly doesn’t handle like I’d expect a rhino to. On the highway, it is calm, quiet, and serene. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are accurate and smooth. The one-pedal driving mode takes a little getting used to, especially when traffic speeds are inconsistent, but it works great in predictable scenarios. 

When needed, the brakes are strong and resilient. The steering is good too, with easy to perceive limits and clear communication without excessive vibration from the front tires. The two main areas of complaint in the R1S come down to the way it feels on occasion. Poorly maintained roads can cause a great deal more ride harshness than in any other six-figure SUV I’ve ever driven. Some of that is likely due to the gigantic 22-inch wheels and some could be related to the extremely heavy curb weight. 

The other noticeable niggle was the aggressive nature of initial regenerative braking. Put simply, it’s harder than most of my passengers preferred. In inconsistent traffic, it actually made a couple of folks nauseous. Sure, it’s possible to reduce the force of regen braking in the R1S, but that means less range so you’ll have to make a trade-off one way or another. At the same time, it’s possible that having only a week to truly learn the system’s behavior wasn’t enough to get really adept at its use and that more time would’ve resulted in a smoother experience for everyone onboard. 

Competition

When the R1S first arrived on the scene it was basically only rivaled by the Tesla Model X which is faster and better to drive on the road. Where Rivian beat the Tesla was off-road and in terms of overall range. Today, the Model X is the one trying to keep up as Rivian is set to launch a Quad Motor R1S this year that’ll likely smoke the Tesla on the road and continue its dominance when the pavement runs out. 

Where the Rivian is going to struggle most though is against new competition from Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, and BMW. For example, the Kia EV9 offers more interior space, tons of technology, and a much lower base price. Sure, it misses out on the power and luxury features of the Rivian, but saving tens of thousands of dollars is enough for many buyers to overlook that. 

The Ioniq 9 might just be the perfect blend since it leverages more luxury appointments. The BMW iX could be a good option too thanks to its supremely good on-road manners. Of course, none of these competitors offer the off-road chops of the Rivian and that’s a key selling feature that the brand leans on. 

Those who value supreme off-road capability over all else might be willing to cross-shop the GMC Hummer EV SUV since it has a similar price tag and even more impressive overlanding features. The Rivian is still the more practical choice between the two for now. 

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to like the Rivian R1S after spending time in. Note that I didn’t say love, though. It is expensive and that feels like a very important aspect of it when considering how it sometimes rides rough and that other three-row electric SUVs offer much of the same experience for far less cash.

Nevertheless, technology often trickles downhill over time and that’s what makes the R1S so exciting. No other electric SUV on sale at this price point offers the mix of capabilities that this one does. It’s very comfortable in most circumstances. It handles well. It’s full of useful features. It’s sincerely good off-road. The cabin feels very high-end. And it has more than enough range for the average everyday user. No, it’s not perfect, but the issues it comes with are mostly those associated with production by a relatively new manufacturer. 

Give Rivian time to continue honing its craft, find new economies of scale it can pass on to the customer, and improve a few dynamics. If it does all that, there’s little doubt that it’ll be a major player in this space and one for other companies to continue to mimic in the years to come. 

Image Credit: Stephen Rivers / Rivian

Chinese smartphone giant turned automaker Xiaomi proudly announced last week that its SU7 Ultra sedan has lapped the Shanghai International Circuit almost 1.5 seconds faster than the previous record holder, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. But Porsche’s China crisis goes far beyond ranking second on a racetrack leader board.

More: Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Smashes Taycan Turbo GT’s Lap Record At Shanghai Circuit

For years, Western automakers have relied on China to provide growth and a massive chunk of their revenue. But now local car buyers are increasingly rejecting long-established European brands in favor of domestically-produced, Chinese-branded cars. Porsche is far from the only Western car company taking a hit, but it’s taken a really big one.

Porsche’s China Sales Are in Freefall

Porsche sales in China dropped by a staggering 28 percent during 2024, and deliveries of the once hugely popular Taycan EV dropped by almost half, the automaker revealed last month. True, 2024 was a changeover year for several models, including the Taycan, Panamera (also down) and 911, but the slump has less to do with that and more to do with changing attitudes in China to its own increasingly competent car brands.

In the SU7, for instance, Xiaomi has built an electric sedan that looks almost as good as a Taycan, makes more power and cost a fraction as much. The top-spec Ultra that broke the Shanghai record is priced at the equivalent of $112,000 to the Turbo GT’s $230,000 and makes 1,527 hp (1,139 kW / 1,548 PS) versus 1,092 hp (815 kW / 1,108 PS) for the German car in Launch Control mode.

Other SU7 models offer a similarly appealing bang-to-yen ratio. No wonder Xiaomi sold over 100,000 of them last year and Porsche only shifted 21,000 Taycans.

“I think Chinese consumers right now are ready to accept that Chinese companies can produce cars that are considered as premium to them,” Gary Ng, an economist with Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, told the New York Times.

But here’s the wild bit: the SU7 is currently only sold in China and that 21,000-unit Taycan sales figure is a global number. Just imagine how much more damage the SU7 could do if it was available elsewhere.

In other markets, of course, Porsche can currently rely on the strength of the brand, one cultivated through decades of racing history and pop culture appearances. That’s less of a draw in China, where Porsche hasn’t been around for 70+ years. Moreover, buyers’ heroes are tech brands, and they want tech features Porsche and Western brands can’t deliver, but Chinese ones can.

Porsche Is Playing Tech Catch-Up

You still can’t buy a Porsche with a Level 3, or fully hands-off Level 2 driver-assist system (though the latter, co-developed with Mobileye, is coming this year), while the Lidar-equipped SU7 comes with a 56-inch head-up display and Xiaomi’s smartphone and AI know-how means drivers get into the car and can transfer their phone interface to the SU7’s media screen with the press of a single button. German, American and even Japanese and Korean brands have all underestimated the importance of software-defined vehicles, one industry expert told the NYT.

In some cases, there are reasons for their reticence. Brands like Porsche and Ferrari have been careful not to jump to provide ADAS systems earlier than other brands because they’re keen to preserve their hard-earned reputations as makers of pure drivers’ cars. You’d never see either brand showing off how its EV could race around a track without a driver, as BYD did with its Yangwang U9 supercar last week.

More: EVs Set To Outsell Gas Cars In China In 2025, 10 Years Ahead Of Schedule

But Chinese buyers are pragmatic and less obsessed with the classic idea of driving fun. Quit the hand-wringing and just give us the tech, they’re effectively saying by ignoring the Taycan and buying cars with more advanced systems, like the SU7. The fact that buyers are so young – averaging 33 years old in 2021 for the Taycan – suggests they’re potentially more open to switching brands.

Could It Happen In The West?

And how long until even European and American drivers, if given the choice between a Porsche and a Chinese product that does much of the same thing for half the price, start to ignore Porsche cars, too? I love cars like the Macan and Taycan, but let’s not pretend it can’t happen, at least to the four-seat models.

We welcomed newcomers like Tesla and Rivian, seeing them as legitimate rivals to Porsche, so why not Xiaomi? Ford boss Jim Farley has already said he loves driving his SU7 so much he doesn’t want to give it back. US tariffs and some lingering anti-Chinese sentiment provide a hill to climb, but the Chinese will crest it. Look how far Kia has come in 35 years, and then look at how far Xiaomi has come in just a couple with one car.

What would you do to get Porsche back on track in China? And do you believe it’ll eventually have the same problem in Europe and America, or does it have the brand power to stay ahead? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.